Chapter Four: Secrets of Hidden Power
Weeks passed since the alliance between the villages of Kin and Woodville had been formed, and the horizon had grown more stable. The invaders had not attacked again, and the two villages exchanged resources and knowledge, allowing them the opportunity to focus on building a new power together. However, despite the tranquility that had settled in, Kin felt something strange deep inside, as if there was a missing piece of the bigger picture—something that could change the course of events drastically.
On an evening filled with quiet, Kin's old advisor approached him, his demeanor showing signs of hesitation.
"My lord, if you allow me, there is something of great importance I wish to present to you," the advisor said slowly, as if he were carefully choosing each word.
Kin looked at him warily, unsure of the reason behind his sudden seriousness. "What is it?" he asked cautiously, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
The advisor gently opened his bag and pulled out a small wooden box, placing it carefully on the table in front of Kin. The box was incredibly old, as if it had witnessed distant ages.
"This... belonged to your father," the advisor said in a dry tone. "He entrusted me to give it to you when I saw you were ready."
Kin froze as he stared at the box, then looked at the advisor with a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "My father?" he whispered, overwhelmed by a wave of doubt and questions.
Slowly, Kin opened the box to discover a strange stone inside. The stone glowed with a faint blue light, pulsing as if it contained immense energy, almost as if it were a part of the sky itself.
"What is this?" Kin asked quietly as he held the stone, feeling something strange trickling through his fingertips.
"This is the Ancient Power Stone," the advisor said calmly. "Our ancestors used it to amplify their magical powers, and legends say it possesses limitless potential to enhance hidden forces."
Kin didn't need further explanation. Those words carried an enigmatic weight, and he knew that this stone was the key. With his eyes wide in astonishment, Kin grasped the stone and touched it. At that moment, a tremendous wave of energy flooded his body, as though an endless force was pouring into him. A massive window exploded before his eyes, appearing on the screen of his mind:
[Congratulations! Your magical abilities have been upgraded.]
[New level: 4.]
[New ability: Summon 300 Spirit Soldiers.]
"300 soldiers?" Kin muttered aloud, feeling a surge of electricity coursing through him, as the faint blue light of the stone grew brighter.
"My lord, are you alright?" the advisor asked anxiously, his eyes darting between Kin and the stone.
"Yes, more than alright," Kin replied, a newfound confidence radiating from his face. He felt as though he had gained unimaginable power.
Without hesitation, Kin began to explore his new abilities. In his mind, there was no time to wait. He decided to head to the ancient archives in the basement of his home, where he knew the history of his village was buried within those pages. He realized that everything about the magical stone was tied to an ancient history, and that by uncovering its secrets, he might change the fate of everyone.
"My lord, the archives haven't been opened in many years," the advisor said, following Kin with increasing concern.
"Today will be different," Kin replied, pushing open the heavy door to reveal a room filled with books and scrolls covered in dust. Sweat dripped from his brow as he began searching through the old papers, looking for an ancient secret that might help him understand the origin of this power.
Hours passed as Kin immersed himself in reading books and manuscripts, while the advisor silently watched. After hours of relentless reading, Kin stumbled upon an ancient tome titled Secrets of Hidden Power, and began studying it. As he read, he realized that his village had not just been an ordinary settlement, but a vital center of deep magical power in ancient times.
"My lord, this is incredible!" the advisor exclaimed, gazing at the illustrations and engravings adorning the pages of the book.
"But there's more," Kin replied quietly, pointing to a page that depicted a stone identical to the one he now held in his hand. The book recounted the story of the Ancient Power Stone, which was part of a group of magical stones that granted immense power to their bearers. However, it also warned that the misuse of these stones could lead to catastrophic destruction.
"We must be cautious," the advisor said, his voice filled with warning.
"I know, but we need this power," Kin responded, closing the book decisively, determined to move forward in his quest for further discovery.
The next day, Kin decided to test his new power. He went out to the village square, where the sun shimmered in the sky, holding the stone in his hand and speaking aloud:
"Summon 300 Spirit Soldiers!"
Suddenly, a massive group of spirit soldiers appeared before him, wearing shining armor and wielding drawn swords. They stood in perfect synchronization, ready to follow Kin's commands.
"I am at your command, my lord," the soldiers said in unison, causing the advisor to stare in awe.
"This is unbelievable," the advisor whispered, unable to hide his admiration.
"Yes, but we need to train them," Kin responded, feeling the weight of responsibility upon him.
Kin began training the spirit soldiers, using his new abilities to enhance the village's defenses and protect it from any potential threats. Over time, however, he began to feel that something was missing—something hidden within the stone that was not yet clear.
"My lord, I think the stone has started to lose its glow," the advisor said, looking at the stone, which had become dimmer than before.
"Yes, it seems the power is draining it," Kin replied, staring at a new window that appeared before him:
[Warning: Stone's energy is low.]
[Remaining power: 60%.]
"We must find a way to recharge the stone," Kin said, determined to find a solution.
After several days of searching, Kin discovered that there were sacred places in the forest surrounding the village where the stone could be recharged. However, the journey to these places was fraught with dangers.
"My lord, the journey there is not safe," the advisor warned, looking at Kin with a cautious expression.
"I know, but we need this power," Kin replied, preparing himself for a new adventure.
End of Chapter Four